US5406054A - Heated simulated rock for terrarium - Google Patents

Heated simulated rock for terrarium Download PDF

Info

Publication number
US5406054A
US5406054A US08/207,601 US20760194A US5406054A US 5406054 A US5406054 A US 5406054A US 20760194 A US20760194 A US 20760194A US 5406054 A US5406054 A US 5406054A
Authority
US
United States
Prior art keywords
simulated rock
chamber
rock
heater
opening
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Fee Related
Application number
US08/207,601
Inventor
Raymond Chirdon
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Individual
Original Assignee
Individual
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Individual filed Critical Individual
Priority to US08/207,601 priority Critical patent/US5406054A/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of US5406054A publication Critical patent/US5406054A/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Fee Related legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H05—ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • H05B—ELECTRIC HEATING; ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS FOR ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES, IN GENERAL
    • H05B3/00—Ohmic-resistance heating
    • H05B3/10—Heating elements characterised by the composition or nature of the materials or by the arrangement of the conductor
    • H05B3/18—Heating elements characterised by the composition or nature of the materials or by the arrangement of the conductor the conductor being embedded in an insulating material
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
    • A01K—ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; AVICULTURE; APICULTURE; PISCICULTURE; FISHING; REARING OR BREEDING ANIMALS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; NEW BREEDS OF ANIMALS
    • A01K63/00—Receptacles for live fish, e.g. aquaria; Terraria
    • A01K63/06—Arrangements for heating or lighting in, or attached to, receptacles for live fish
    • A01K63/065—Heating or cooling devices

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a heated simulated rock for terrarium.
  • it is known to provide a simulated heated rock for a terrarium.
  • Applicant is unaware of any such device which includes all of the features and aspects of Applicant's invention.
  • Applicant is unaware of any such device which provides the combination of a self-contained power supply with the provision of a chamber within the simulated rock designed to provide shelter and safety for an animal.
  • the present invention relates to a heated simulated rock for terrarium.
  • the present invention includes the following interrelated objects, aspects and features:
  • the inventive simulated rock includes a base portion, a body and an upper portion.
  • the upper portion includes a top which, when removed, reveals an internal chamber in the simulated rock body, which chamber contains at least one battery and a heater mechanism.
  • at least one heating coil is provided in the body of the simulated rock which is electrically connected to the heater mechanism to heat the entire body of the rock so that it is warm to the touch.
  • an internal chamber In the body of the simulated rock, an internal chamber is provided which includes at least one side opening sized to permit a small animal to enter the chamber for security and warmth.
  • the inventive simulated rock may be made of any suitable materials such as masonry, molded plastic, wood, or the like.
  • the outer surface of the simulated rock may be decorated in different colors to render the simulated rock aesthetically pleasing.
  • FIG. 1 shows a perspective view, partially exploded, of the present invention, with certain portions shown in phantom to show detail.
  • FIG. 2 shows a schematic representation of the electrical circuitry of the present invention.
  • the inventive heated simulated rock is generally designated by the reference numeral 10 and is seen to include a base 11 having a bottom surface, a body portion 13 and an upper portion having a top 15 shown as having peripheral threads 17 designed to enmesh with the internal threads 21 of an opening 19 at the upper portion of the body 13.
  • the opening 19 leads to an internal chamber 23 which contains circuitry 25 for an electric heater 29 powered by at least one battery 27 contained within the chamber 23.
  • the other portion of the heater may include heating coils 29 which extend within the body portion 13 of the inventive heated simulated rock 10 to convey heat from the heater 29 throughout the body 13 thereof.
  • the combination of the circuitry 25 and the coil 29 comprises a radiant-type heater with the coil 29 being embedded within the body portion 13 of the rock 10 at the time of manufacture.
  • the simulated rock 10 is preferably made of a molded plastic molded with the heating coil 29 embedded therein at the time of manufacture.
  • a chemical-type heater could be employed contained within the chamber 23.
  • the body portion 13 has an opening 31 which leads to an internal chamber 33 defined by the walls of the body portion 13 as shown in the sole FIGURE.
  • the chamber 33 provides security and warmth to a small animal contained therein.
  • the inventive heated simulated rock 10 is placed within a terrarium where small animals including lizards and/or insects and arachnids are contained.
  • At least one battery 27 or a plurality of such batteries, if desired, is/are contained within the chamber 19 electrically connected (FIG. 2) to the circuitry 25 by virtue of an electrical coupling 26 and the electrical conductors 28 as shown.
  • an on-off switch 30 (FIG. 2) may be interposed within the electrical conductor 28 between the battery 27 and the heater circuitry 25 so that activation and de-activation of the heater circuitry 25 may be suitably controlled.
  • the top 15 is placed over the opening 19 and the enmeshing of the threads 17, 21 through rotation of the top 15 with respect to the body portion 13 causes the top 15 to be fastened in the opening 19 to seal the chamber 23.
  • the inventive device 10 is completely self-contained with no electrical conductors extending therefrom which could provide (1) danger to the animals contained within the associated terrarium as well as (2) a means for climbing out of the terrarium.

Landscapes

  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Environmental Sciences (AREA)
  • Marine Sciences & Fisheries (AREA)
  • Animal Husbandry (AREA)
  • Biodiversity & Conservation Biology (AREA)
  • Housing For Livestock And Birds (AREA)

Abstract

A simulated rock includes a heating chamber containing a self-contained battery operated heater. Heating coils extend throughout the body of the simulated rock to heat its surfaces. The heating chamber is accessible through a removable lid and the simulated rock has an internal chamber providing safe shelter for an animal.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a heated simulated rock for terrarium. In the prior art, it is known to provide a simulated heated rock for a terrarium. However, Applicant is unaware of any such device which includes all of the features and aspects of Applicant's invention.
In particular, Applicant is unaware of any such device which is completely self-contained not requiring any electrical cord. Commercially available heated simulated rocks are electrically powered using a cord which extends out of the terrarium. Animals routinely climb up the cord to escape. Furthermore, animals also chew on the cord causing danger of electrocution as well as creating potential and actual fire hazards. As such, a need has developed for such a device which does not provide such dangers of fire and electrocution.
In a further aspect, Applicant is unaware of any such device which provides the combination of a self-contained power supply with the provision of a chamber within the simulated rock designed to provide shelter and safety for an animal.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a heated simulated rock for terrarium. The present invention includes the following interrelated objects, aspects and features:
(A) In a first aspect, the inventive simulated rock includes a base portion, a body and an upper portion.
(B) The upper portion includes a top which, when removed, reveals an internal chamber in the simulated rock body, which chamber contains at least one battery and a heater mechanism. In the preferred embodiment, at least one heating coil is provided in the body of the simulated rock which is electrically connected to the heater mechanism to heat the entire body of the rock so that it is warm to the touch.
(C) In the body of the simulated rock, an internal chamber is provided which includes at least one side opening sized to permit a small animal to enter the chamber for security and warmth.
(D) The inventive simulated rock may be made of any suitable materials such as masonry, molded plastic, wood, or the like. In the preferred embodiment, the outer surface of the simulated rock may be decorated in different colors to render the simulated rock aesthetically pleasing.
As such, it is a first object of the present invention to provide a heated simulated rock for terrarium.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide such a device including a chamber containing a self-contained heater element.
It is a yet further object of the present invention to provide such a device including at least one heating coil extending through the body thereof and being electrically connected to the heater mechanism.
It is a still further object of the present invention to provide such a device including a chamber designed to provide warmth and security to an animal.
These and other objects, aspects and features of the present invention will be better understood from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment when read in conjunction with the appended drawing Figure.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 shows a perspective view, partially exploded, of the present invention, with certain portions shown in phantom to show detail.
FIG. 2 shows a schematic representation of the electrical circuitry of the present invention.
SPECIFIC DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
With reference to FIG. 1, the inventive heated simulated rock is generally designated by the reference numeral 10 and is seen to include a base 11 having a bottom surface, a body portion 13 and an upper portion having a top 15 shown as having peripheral threads 17 designed to enmesh with the internal threads 21 of an opening 19 at the upper portion of the body 13.
As shown, partially in phantom, the opening 19 leads to an internal chamber 23 which contains circuitry 25 for an electric heater 29 powered by at least one battery 27 contained within the chamber 23.
As shown in phantom, in FIG. 1 the other portion of the heater may include heating coils 29 which extend within the body portion 13 of the inventive heated simulated rock 10 to convey heat from the heater 29 throughout the body 13 thereof. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the combination of the circuitry 25 and the coil 29 comprises a radiant-type heater with the coil 29 being embedded within the body portion 13 of the rock 10 at the time of manufacture. In this regard, the simulated rock 10 is preferably made of a molded plastic molded with the heating coil 29 embedded therein at the time of manufacture. Alternatively, a chemical-type heater could be employed contained within the chamber 23.
With further reference to FIG. 1, the body portion 13 has an opening 31 which leads to an internal chamber 33 defined by the walls of the body portion 13 as shown in the sole FIGURE. The chamber 33 provides security and warmth to a small animal contained therein.
In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the inventive heated simulated rock 10 is placed within a terrarium where small animals including lizards and/or insects and arachnids are contained. At least one battery 27 or a plurality of such batteries, if desired, is/are contained within the chamber 19 electrically connected (FIG. 2) to the circuitry 25 by virtue of an electrical coupling 26 and the electrical conductors 28 as shown. If desired, an on-off switch 30 (FIG. 2) may be interposed within the electrical conductor 28 between the battery 27 and the heater circuitry 25 so that activation and de-activation of the heater circuitry 25 may be suitably controlled. In any case, with the heater circuitry 25 activated, the top 15 is placed over the opening 19 and the enmeshing of the threads 17, 21 through rotation of the top 15 with respect to the body portion 13 causes the top 15 to be fastened in the opening 19 to seal the chamber 23.
In this way, the inventive device 10 is completely self-contained with no electrical conductors extending therefrom which could provide (1) danger to the animals contained within the associated terrarium as well as (2) a means for climbing out of the terrarium.
Accordingly, an invention has been disclosed in terms of a preferred embodiment thereof which fulfills each and every one of the objects of the present invention as set forth hereinabove and provides a new and useful heated simulated rock for terrarium of great novelty and utility.
Of course, various changes, modifications and alterations in the teachings of the present invention may be contemplated by those skilled in the art without departing from the intended spirit and scope thereof.
As such, it is intended that the present invention only be limited by the terms of the appended claims.

Claims (6)

I claim:
1. A heated simulated rock, comprising:
a) a body having a bottom surface adapted to sit on a floor, a body portion made to resemble a rock and an upper portion;
b) a first opening in said upper portion leading to a first chamber in said body, said chamber containing a self-contained heater for heating said body;
c) a top sized and configured to removably seal said opening; and
d) a second opening in said body portion leading to a second chamber in said body below said first chamber and adapted to provide shelter to an animal entering said second chamber.
2. The heated simulated rock of claim 1, wherein said heater is an electrical heater including at least one battery contained within said first chamber.
3. The heated simulated rock of claim 2, wherein said body has at least one heating coil embedded therein and forming a part of said heater.
4. The heated simulated rock of claim 2, wherein said at least one battery comprises a 9 volt battery.
5. The heated simulated rock of claim 1, wherein said first opening and a periphery of said top are threaded whereby said top may be threadably received in said first opening.
6. The heated simulated rock of claim 1, made of molded plastic.
US08/207,601 1994-03-09 1994-03-09 Heated simulated rock for terrarium Expired - Fee Related US5406054A (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US08/207,601 US5406054A (en) 1994-03-09 1994-03-09 Heated simulated rock for terrarium

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US08/207,601 US5406054A (en) 1994-03-09 1994-03-09 Heated simulated rock for terrarium

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
US5406054A true US5406054A (en) 1995-04-11

Family

ID=22771247

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US08/207,601 Expired - Fee Related US5406054A (en) 1994-03-09 1994-03-09 Heated simulated rock for terrarium

Country Status (1)

Country Link
US (1) US5406054A (en)

Cited By (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US6620364B2 (en) 2001-02-20 2003-09-16 Recon Wall Systems, Inc. Block forming apparatus and method
US20040026601A1 (en) * 2002-05-02 2004-02-12 Hamilton Stanley W. Block forming apparatus and method
US6701870B1 (en) 2002-12-17 2004-03-09 Emmanuel Van Heygen Animal habitat
US6758162B1 (en) 2002-12-17 2004-07-06 Rolf C. Hagen, Inc. Reptile feeder
US8715210B2 (en) 2011-06-01 2014-05-06 Dominic Orlando Self-heating massage stone
USD723748S1 (en) * 2013-04-15 2015-03-03 Feeder Tree, L.L.C. Automatic feeder housing
US10736181B2 (en) 2014-06-19 2020-08-04 Spectrum Brands, Inc. Basking heater and methods

Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4234780A (en) * 1978-05-12 1980-11-18 Mccarthy Gregory M Resting place for reptiles in captivity
US4771563A (en) * 1987-06-08 1988-09-20 Easley Samuel D Environment enhancement device for animal scent used by hunter
US5261352A (en) * 1991-10-28 1993-11-16 Joseph Stammelman Heated place for animals
US5272316A (en) * 1992-03-26 1993-12-21 M. Baines Chesnut Heating apparatus for use by reptiles or the like

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4234780A (en) * 1978-05-12 1980-11-18 Mccarthy Gregory M Resting place for reptiles in captivity
US4771563A (en) * 1987-06-08 1988-09-20 Easley Samuel D Environment enhancement device for animal scent used by hunter
US5261352A (en) * 1991-10-28 1993-11-16 Joseph Stammelman Heated place for animals
US5272316A (en) * 1992-03-26 1993-12-21 M. Baines Chesnut Heating apparatus for use by reptiles or the like

Cited By (11)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US6620364B2 (en) 2001-02-20 2003-09-16 Recon Wall Systems, Inc. Block forming apparatus and method
US20040065042A1 (en) * 2001-02-20 2004-04-08 Recon Wall Systems, Inc. Blocks and block forming apparatus and method
US6829867B2 (en) 2001-02-20 2004-12-14 Recon Wall Systems, Inc. Blocks and block forming apparatus and method
US20040026601A1 (en) * 2002-05-02 2004-02-12 Hamilton Stanley W. Block forming apparatus and method
US7341685B2 (en) 2002-05-02 2008-03-11 Recon Wall Systems, Inc. Block forming method
US6701870B1 (en) 2002-12-17 2004-03-09 Emmanuel Van Heygen Animal habitat
US20040112300A1 (en) * 2002-12-17 2004-06-17 Rolf C. Hagen, Inc. Animal habitat
US6758162B1 (en) 2002-12-17 2004-07-06 Rolf C. Hagen, Inc. Reptile feeder
US8715210B2 (en) 2011-06-01 2014-05-06 Dominic Orlando Self-heating massage stone
USD723748S1 (en) * 2013-04-15 2015-03-03 Feeder Tree, L.L.C. Automatic feeder housing
US10736181B2 (en) 2014-06-19 2020-08-04 Spectrum Brands, Inc. Basking heater and methods

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
USD397996S (en) Remote control with charger
US5406054A (en) Heated simulated rock for terrarium
US4539935A (en) Combination pet bed and enclosure
GB2394565A (en) Remotely controlled air pump for a bath mat
US5895288A (en) Plant power line
US20190230903A1 (en) Furniture Animal Deterrent System
US20240277515A1 (en) Massage Stone Heating and Cooling Device
KR100776396B1 (en) Far infrared emitting device of kitchen sink
USD314425S (en) Ventilating heater
CA2440790A1 (en) Stone massage therapy device
KR102631320B1 (en) Hip fumigation apparatus with mult-function
CN214847009U (en) Open-air early warning device
KR200460760Y1 (en) Dry footbath
JPH1118602A (en) Heater for pet
CN206755319U (en) A kind of Multi-functional heater
KR200341337Y1 (en) A function a generation of heat a wood carpet
US6182558B1 (en) Bagel making apparatus
JPS586363Y2 (en) electric cooking table
KR20230111339A (en) Beekeeping smoker
KR20200039935A (en) Companion animal house
USD455602S1 (en) Portable electric stove
JPS6116619Y2 (en)
JPS62139339U (en)
GB2308969A (en) Portable heater for baby bottles
IT202000027564A1 (en) ELECTRIC COOKER-SKEWERS

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
FPAY Fee payment

Year of fee payment: 4

REMI Maintenance fee reminder mailed
LAPS Lapse for failure to pay maintenance fees
STCH Information on status: patent discontinuation

Free format text: PATENT EXPIRED DUE TO NONPAYMENT OF MAINTENANCE FEES UNDER 37 CFR 1.362

FP Lapsed due to failure to pay maintenance fee

Effective date: 20030411